Best places to see fall colors in the US

It’s a universal truth: the turning of the fall foliage is one of the world’s most enchanting natural phenomena, and in the US, it comes in many different iterations.

You can drive beneath the amber canopies of New England, watch fiery maples take over the vistas of the northern midwest, or marvel at the golden aspens as they contrast against the rocky peaks of the west.

All that said, determining peak leaf peeping season is often a curious mix of science and intuition – color windows vary across the country due to weather patterns, elevation and sometimes just pure chance. Luckily for you, we’ve pulled together a list of the best fall foliage in the USA and tips on when to catch the fiery colors at their brightest.

1. Stowe, Vermont

Perhaps the most famous US destination for autumn lovers, Stowe delivers on all counts: spectacular palettes of reds, oranges and yellows; endless mountain roads and hikes; and access to the highest points in Vermont’s photogenic Green Mountains. Rent a cabin or pitch a tent among some of New England’s most gorgeous forests and enjoy the scenery this region is renowned for.

Advertisement

Stowe’s fall foliage season generally lasts from early September through late October, with colors peaking in the middle of that period. Use Stowe’s Foliage Finder to follow the color progression on the area’s various scenic drives. 

2. Shenandoah National Park, Virginia

This expansive park encompasses nearly 100 miles of central Appalachian views, making it one of the most accessible – and scenic – fall destinations in the eastern US. Enjoy a road trip along the famous Skyline Drive for breathtaking autumnal vistas or take to the trails to wander beneath Virginia’s beautiful deciduous forests as they don their most exuberant colors.

Shenandoah’s fall colors generally begin to emerge in October, peaking midway through the end of the month. The park posts weekly updates on the color changes to their social media accounts, but if you’re looking for a more robust tracker ahead of time, check out the Virginia Department of Forestry’s fall foliage reports.

3. Columbia River Gorge, Oregon

Imagine a large, mirror-like river buttressed by misty mountains and forested shores, all graced with explosions of gold and orange – a scene worthy of a painting. Happily, this place is real and it exists at the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area in Oregon, one of the best leaf-peeping destinations on the west coast.

Marvel at the intermingling of evergreen forests with alders and maples, all against a mountainous backdrop. Fall colors in this region of Oregon reach their zenith in late October.

4. Zion National Park, Utah

If you visit Zion in the fall, you’ll witness a scene you likely won’t see anywhere else on earth: vermillion maples and yellow cottonwoods accenting the striking red rock desert. The park’s deciduous forests hug the creeks and rivers, and routes like the Emerald Pools Trail offer immersive journeys through Zion’s autumnal wonders.

Advertisement

The color-changing process varies depending on elevation in the park – higher elevations peak in mid-October, while lower elevations hold on to their colorful foliage as long as the middle of November.

5. Tennessee/North Carolina state line

The Tennessee/North Carolina state line is a marvelous region to visit year round, but it takes on a special charm in the fall, when the mountain forests shed the green for a warmer set of hues. Hike through the Pisgah and Cherokee National Forests, get a bird's-eye view of golden valley floors at Roan Mountain, or dig deep into the beauty of southern Appalachia at Great Smoky Mountains National Park. 

Like its western counterparts, Southern Appalachia’s fall colors are elevation dependent. The region’s higher reaches develop colors in early and mid-October, while lower elevations reach their color peaks in late October and early November. 

6. West Virginia

Perhaps one of the country’s most unsung – but most beautiful – destinations, West Virginia is a fall foliage fan’s dream. Covered in forests that wrap across the state’s undulating terrain, West Virginia offers an alternative leaf peeping experience that rivals some of the world's most famous autumnal destinations. Watch the colors collide with the waterfalls and craggy peaks of the Potomac Highlands, take in views of crimson and tangerine tree tops along one of the continent’s oldest rivers (ironically named the New River), or hike into the multi-hued hollows of the Hatfield McCoy Mountains. 

Leaves begin changing in late September, with peak colors appearing in mid-October; West Virginia tourism manages a live leaf map throughout the fall, so you can see the changes as they happen.

7. Northwestern Wyoming

Wyoming’s mountainous west knows how to deliver drama, and the region takes things up a notch in the fall. Aspens, cottonwoods, willows and black hawthorns drape the landscape in color, a striking foreground to the imposing Tetons and the winding Snake River. Yellowstone gets in the spirit, too, and don’t miss the opportunity to immerse yourself in the area’s national forests. If you’re lucky, you may even get a light dusting of snow – a stunning contrast to the fiery fall leaves. 

Colors peak in the Wyoming mountains from late September to early October, with colors changing earlier at higher elevations.

8. Wisconsin Northwoods

Home to sprawling boreal forests and glacial lakes, the Wisconsin Northwoods immerse visitors in true autumn glory. Take a scenic drive through the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest, fish for trophy musky beneath the multihued canopy, or visit one of the region’s small communities for fall festivals.  

The fall foliage in northern Wisconsin begins its transformation in September, with colors maxing out in early October. Follow Travel Wisconsin’s fall color reports for live updates.

Detour: It’s a little over two hours away, but Door County, a peninsula bordered by Lake Michigan on one side and Green Bay on the other, is a spectacular fall foliage destination. Scenic roads meander through a landscape of rolling hills, apple orchards and adorable small towns such as Fish Creek and Egg Harbor. The area is known for its artist galleries, wineries and distilleries, as well as cheese. Peak fall color season is late September to mid-October.

9. Northern Nevada

Nevada may be well known for its deserts, but its mountainous north provides an oasis of fall foliage that just may surprise you. Head to Lamoille Canyon in the Ruby Mountains to see golden treetops wrap around the region’s rocky peaks, and if you’re feeling adventurous, don a backpack and immerse yourself in nature on the Ruby Crest Trail.

Fall colors emerge in mountainous Northern Nevada in October, usually reaching their most colorful state at the end of the month.

10. Ozark Highlands Scenic Byway, Arkansas

This 35-mile route crosses the Boston Mountain Range of the Ozarks in Arkansas, taking you through two national forests (Ozark and Ouachita), across the 165-mile Ozark Highlands Trail, and up to Buffalo National River, the country’s first. A joyous network of twists and turns through the state’s most lush countryside, this byway delivers autumn foliage in high definition. 

Like other destinations in this part of the country, the Ozarks start seeing fall colors in late September or early October, with things peaking in late October and early November.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which US state has the best fall foliage?

New York State typically ranks highest for fall colors often followed by nearby states such as Vermont. Fall favorites away from the east coast include Oregon, Utah, Wisconsin and Michigan.

What are the best weeks for fall foliage in the US?

Depending upon the location and elevations, fall colors can begin as early as mid-September and continue through to early November.

What state has the longest fall foliage?

Connecticut, Vermont, Virginia, West Virginia, Missouri and New York are among the top states for the longest fall foliage.